News

Public engagement on Leeds Bradford Airport & north west Leeds connectivity

18 February 2019

People are being encouraged to have their say on plans to improve transport connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Three options to improve road access to the airport and more information on the proposed new airport parkway rail station on the Leeds to Harrogate line have been unveiled and people have until Friday 12 April to comment on them.

Forecast growth

Developed by Leeds City Council, the Combined Authority and other partners including Leeds Bradford Airport, the proposals are to support the forecast growth in the airport’s passenger numbers from four million in 2017 to 7.1million by 2030 and over nine million by 2050.

The transport improvements would also underpin up to 5,500 new jobs expected to be created in the adjacent area by 2030, as well as addressing current congestion issues in north west Leeds.

Fly-through video

People can see the latest details, including new maps, images, an animation and fly-through videos of what the road options and parkway station could look like, and provide feedback in an online survey atwww.leeds.gov.uk/connectinglba.

Additionally there will public drop-in sessions on:

Monday 25 February from 3-7pm at Yeadon Town Hall

Thursday 28 February from 5-8pm at Otley Courthouse

Tuesday 5 March from 11.30am-2.30pm at Greenacre Hall, Rawdon

Saturday 9 March from 2-5pm at Cookridge Village Hall

Tuesday 12 March from 5-8.30pm at Bramhope Methodist Church

Tuesday 19 March from 5-8.30pm at The Grove Church, Horsforth

The drop in sessions will be an opportunity for people to see the proposals and meet the teams developing them.

Catalyst

Cllr Kim Groves Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee said:“Leeds Bradford Airport has huge potential for growth in passenger numbers as well as acting as a catalyst for economic development and job creation in the surrounding area.

“The proposals to develop much-needed improvements to the airport’s transport connections will help ensure it reaches that potential and I would urge people to ensure they have their say by taking part in the consultation.”

Significant benefits

Leader of Leeds City Council Cllr Judith Blake said:“We are pleased to be able to release this updated information on the proposals to improve access and connectivity to the airport, and especially the visuals which will give people an idea of what the plans could look like.

“Leeds Bradford Airport is a key element of our local and regional economy, and these plans to improve road and rail access together with local network upgrades will bring significant benefits as well as helping the airport to grow along with supporting the new jobs we expect to see in the area in the years to come. I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this public consultation and engagement, find out more about all the elements involved, and tell us what they think.”

Unleash the potential

David Laws, chief executive of Leeds Bradford Airport, said:“These latest plans are a major step towards improving the surface access to the airport and I am delighted we now have images, an animation and fly-through videos of what the road options and parkway station could look like.

“To unleash the economic potential of our region requires major investment in our transport infrastructure, ensuring our train stations, airports and cities are properly connected. I would urge as many people as possible to take part and engage in the consultation which will lead to greater connectivity with our region’s main gateways.”